“A beautiful loop deep in the forest with tough climbs and rugged terrain.”

Features
Birding · Fall Colors · Wildflowers

Runner Notes

MULTIPLE MISLEADING SPURS: If you don't see an indication that a junction is part of the backpacking/hiking trail system, it will likely just lead to a logging area. It's not obvious some of these trails peter out right away and can easily turn users around. Use the Trail Run Project mobile app to help find your way.

Description

The Forester's Trail has two main trailheads, both off of State Forest Road. One trailhead stands alone JUST east of White Pine Drive, and the other is at the state forest headquarters/sawmill/campground host area.

From the campground host area, the trail climbs steadily and rather steeply through a ravine. The trail is narrow, with nettles threatening at the lower elevations but the situation improves deeper into the forest. After roughly 1/3rd of a mile, there is a junction with the Brown's Hollow Trail, wherein the route turns west (right) and flattens out.

At about a mile in, a slightly confusing junction with the White Pine Trail leads runners down a "shortcut" on the loop, or towards Camp Glen Wendell, a backpacking campsite. Depending on the state of the signage it may not be clear where the Forester's Trail goes; just continue straight to stay on the longest route, otherwise going past Camp Glen Wendell shortens the route just a bit.

The trail goes from a gradual descent to a much steeper downhill for the last ~0.4 miles and deposits trail users back at the highway, roughly 0.3 miles west of the area headquarters.

Flora & Fauna

This trail passes through some deep timber, which provides excellent shade in the height of summer and beautiful wildflowers in the early spring.